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UPDATED Cyclist dies after New Forest collision

TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular cyclist has died following a collision with a car in the New Forest.

James Atherton was seriously injured on Sunday – just 24 hours after taking part in a race – and died in hospital on Monday.

Mr Atherton, 25, was studying for a PhD in medicine at Southampton University.

His course leader, Dr Nicola Englyst, said: “James was an extremely talented student who was in the final year of his PhD in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton.

“He was very much looking forward to completing his doctoral thesis and continuing with his research into how blood vessels maintain their health.

“James’ research brought him into contact with many staff and students in the hospital and the University.

“He was generous with his time and energy and always had time for anyone who asked his help and he will be sorely missed.

“James was someone who was just so good at everything he put his mind to. His death is a terrible end to a wonderful life.”

Mr Atherton, of Burgess Road, Southampton, was a well-known member of the Portsmouth-based VC St Raphael cycling club.

Club spokesman Mick Waite said: “James was making good progress at the club and everyone spoke very highly of him.

“He raced at Ludgershall in Wiltshire on Saturday in awful conditions and then went for a ride on Sunday.”

Mr Atherton was a former member of Southampton Triathlon Club.

Chairman Julian McCarthy said: “The local triathlon and cycling community is small and close knit, and we were devastated to hear of his tragic death at such a young age and would like to express our condolences to his family and racing friends who will miss his quiet determination and his natural ability.”

Mr Atherton was with a group of fellow cyclists when the accident happened in Pitmore Lane, Sway.

A message posted on the STC website said: “Some very sad news has come in regarding James Atherton, who was a club member for a short period of time for 2010-2011.

“He was involved in a collision with a car and, in spite of being airlifted to hospital, has died of his injuries.

“James was only 25 and was a strong and experienced cyclist. A really terrible thing to have happened and STC offers its condolences to his family.”

The car involved in the accident was a grey Volkswagen Golf that was travelling towards Brockenhurst when the collision happened just before 11am.

Police say the vehicle was being driven by a 57-year-old man from Evesham, Worcestershire, who was unhurt.

Pitmore Lane was closed for several hours while police investigated the cause of the crash and arranged for the car and the bicycle to be recovered.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact the Totton Roads Policing Unit on 101, quoting Operation Baroque.

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Comments

What terrible news - I lost my son who was riding a mountain bike and collided with a van four years ago. RIP

What terrible news - I lost my son who was riding a mountain bike and collided with a van four years ago. RIPsuzigirl

What terrible news - I lost my son who was riding a mountain bike and collided with a van four years ago. RIP

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Ash_69
9:06am Tue 15 Jan 13

Condolences to all those involved.

Condolences to all those involved.Ash_69

Condolences to all those involved.

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uvox44
9:06am Tue 15 Jan 13

terrible news.

terrible news.uvox44

terrible news.

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Frank28
9:28am Tue 15 Jan 13

Cycling on Forest roads is far more dangerous than people believe.

Cycling on Forest roads is far more dangerous than people believe.Frank28

Cycling on Forest roads is far more dangerous than people believe.

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ABCD1
9:33am Tue 15 Jan 13

Such dreadful news, my thoughts are with the family and his fellow riders.

Sunday was a lovely day for a ride, it should not of ended this way. RIP x

Such dreadful news, my thoughts are with the family and his fellow riders.
Sunday was a lovely day for a ride, it should not of ended this way. RIP xABCD1

Such dreadful news, my thoughts are with the family and his fellow riders.

Sunday was a lovely day for a ride, it should not of ended this way. RIP x

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retry69
9:56am Tue 15 Jan 13

An awful tragedy, my thoughts are with the family and friends.

An awful tragedy, my thoughts are with the family and friends.retry69

An awful tragedy, my thoughts are with the family and friends.

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Kuota man
10:14am Tue 15 Jan 13

This is dreadful news. Thats two accidents involving cars and cyclists in the New Forest last weekend that I am aware of. Dont know what can be done to cut down this carnage, but we must start taking some lessons from these tradegys.

This is dreadful news. Thats two accidents involving cars and cyclists in the New Forest last weekend that I am aware of. Dont know what can be done to cut down this carnage, but we must start taking some lessons from these tradegys.Kuota man

This is dreadful news. Thats two accidents involving cars and cyclists in the New Forest last weekend that I am aware of. Dont know what can be done to cut down this carnage, but we must start taking some lessons from these tradegys.

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Dawg1505
3:44pm Tue 15 Jan 13

Thoughts and Condolences to all of James freinds and Family...

You will be missed by the wider community of Cyclists...

Thoughts and Condolences to all of James freinds and Family...
You will be missed by the wider community of Cyclists...Dawg1505

Thoughts and Condolences to all of James freinds and Family...

You will be missed by the wider community of Cyclists...

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scrumpyjack
4:19pm Tue 15 Jan 13

Totally agree but I think we need to be careful of using words such as "carnage" (I won't quote the actual meaning of the word but look it up).

There were hundreds, if not thousands of cyclists out on Sunday in Hants & Dorset and we are all the better for it.

This is a nightmare for all concerned but we must not let it in anyway stop us from enjoying activities such as this.

Totally agree but I think we need to be careful of using words such as "carnage" (I won't quote the actual meaning of the word but look it up).
There were hundreds, if not thousands of cyclists out on Sunday in Hants & Dorset and we are all the better for it.
This is a nightmare for all concerned but we must not let it in anyway stop us from enjoying activities such as this.scrumpyjack

Totally agree but I think we need to be careful of using words such as "carnage" (I won't quote the actual meaning of the word but look it up).

There were hundreds, if not thousands of cyclists out on Sunday in Hants & Dorset and we are all the better for it.

This is a nightmare for all concerned but we must not let it in anyway stop us from enjoying activities such as this.

Score: 0

EGHH
4:26pm Tue 15 Jan 13

Drivers must take extra care when there are cyclists around. I used to cycle but lost my nerve after too many near misses. RIP James.

Drivers must take extra care when there are cyclists around. I used to cycle but lost my nerve after too many near misses. RIP James.EGHH

Drivers must take extra care when there are cyclists around. I used to cycle but lost my nerve after too many near misses. RIP James.

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[deleted]
4:31pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

I would say carnage is pretty accurate, and will remain so until bikes don't have to share the road with cars going up to 60 mph.
RIP young manFNS-man

I would say carnage is pretty accurate, and will remain so until bikes don't have to share the road with cars going up to 60 mph.

RIP young man

Score: 0

[deleted]
6:48pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

When you have cars going at 60 mph on the same roads as bikes, then people are going to get killed. This death is a tragedy, and things like it are going to keep on happening.FNS-man

When you have cars going at 60 mph on the same roads as bikes, then people are going to get killed. This death is a tragedy, and things like it are going to keep on happening.

Score: 0

[deleted]
7:01pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]FNS-man[/bold] wrote:
When you have cars going at 60 mph on the same roads as bikes, then people are going to get killed. This death is a tragedy, and things like it are going to keep on happening.[/p][/quote]That piece of road is actually part of Sway's 30mph village limit and there is no evidence at this stage that speed was involved. I do wish people would wait until the facts are known before making judgements about the cause and simply concentrate on passing on condolences to friends and family. Likewise, spare some thoughts for the driver who may be completely blameless.Teucer2000

FNS-man wrote…

When you have cars going at 60 mph on the same roads as bikes, then people are going to get killed. This death is a tragedy, and things like it are going to keep on happening.

That piece of road is actually part of Sway's 30mph village limit and there is no evidence at this stage that speed was involved. I do wish people would wait until the facts are known before making judgements about the cause and simply concentrate on passing on condolences to friends and family. Likewise, spare some thoughts for the driver who may be completely blameless.

Score: 0

sterpan3
7:32pm Tue 15 Jan 13

Very sad News I didn't want to hear this .Somethings got to be done ..I suggest the police go undercover as cyclists and see the abuse dished out by car drivers ...I havnt seen one speed trap in the forest for over ten years ? Ive been buzzed from behind by cars driving past within inchs..Very scary

Very sad News I didn't want to hear this .Somethings got to be done ..I suggest the police go undercover as cyclists and see the abuse dished out by car drivers ...I havnt seen one speed trap in the forest for over ten years ? Ive been buzzed from behind by cars driving past within inchs..Very scarysterpan3

Very sad News I didn't want to hear this .Somethings got to be done ..I suggest the police go undercover as cyclists and see the abuse dished out by car drivers ...I havnt seen one speed trap in the forest for over ten years ? Ive been buzzed from behind by cars driving past within inchs..Very scary

Score: 0

[deleted]
7:32pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]Teucer2000[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]FNS-man[/bold] wrote: When you have cars going at 60 mph on the same roads as bikes, then people are going to get killed. This death is a tragedy, and things like it are going to keep on happening.[/p][/quote]That piece of road is actually part of Sway's 30mph village limit and there is no evidence at this stage that speed was involved. I do wish people would wait until the facts are known before making judgements about the cause and simply concentrate on passing on condolences to friends and family. Likewise, spare some thoughts for the driver who may be completely blameless.[/p][/quote]When is the appropriate time to question safety on the roads, if not when a young man has lost his life?FNS-man

Teucer2000 wrote…

FNS-man wrote…

When you have cars going at 60 mph on the same roads as bikes, then people are going to get killed. This death is a tragedy, and things like it are going to keep on happening.

That piece of road is actually part of Sway's 30mph village limit and there is no evidence at this stage that speed was involved. I do wish people would wait until the facts are known before making judgements about the cause and simply concentrate on passing on condolences to friends and family. Likewise, spare some thoughts for the driver who may be completely blameless.

When is the appropriate time to question safety on the roads, if not when a young man has lost his life?

Score: 0

Arthur Maureen
7:33pm Tue 15 Jan 13

scrumpyjack wrote…

Totally agree but I think we need to be careful of using words such as "carnage" (I won't quote the actual meaning of the word but look it up).

There were hundreds, if not thousands of cyclists out on Sunday in Hants & Dorset and we are all the better for it.

This is a nightmare for all concerned but we must not let it in anyway stop us from enjoying activities such as this.

Agreed.

[quote][p][bold]scrumpyjack[/bold] wrote:
Totally agree but I think we need to be careful of using words such as "carnage" (I won't quote the actual meaning of the word but look it up).
There were hundreds, if not thousands of cyclists out on Sunday in Hants & Dorset and we are all the better for it.
This is a nightmare for all concerned but we must not let it in anyway stop us from enjoying activities such as this.[/p][/quote]Agreed.Arthur Maureen

scrumpyjack wrote…

Totally agree but I think we need to be careful of using words such as "carnage" (I won't quote the actual meaning of the word but look it up).

There were hundreds, if not thousands of cyclists out on Sunday in Hants & Dorset and we are all the better for it.

This is a nightmare for all concerned but we must not let it in anyway stop us from enjoying activities such as this.

Agreed.

Score: 0

[deleted]
7:33pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

I am devastated at this news... RIP James Atherton. A real loss to this world... My sincere condolences to his family.and very many friends.
That such a very experienced cyclist with such a fine analytical mind should not be able to survive a Sunday ride in the New Forest truly means there is no hope for anyone.
I would now like to examine the calibre of the other person involved.Christophe66

I am devastated at this news... RIP James Atherton. A real loss to this world... My sincere condolences to his family.and very many friends.
That such a very experienced cyclist with such a fine analytical mind should not be able to survive a Sunday ride in the New Forest truly means there is no hope for anyone.
I would now like to examine the calibre of the other person involved.

Score: 0

[deleted]
7:52pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]FNS-man[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Teucer2000[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]FNS-man[/bold] wrote: When you have cars going at 60 mph on the same roads as bikes, then people are going to get killed. This death is a tragedy, and things like it are going to keep on happening.[/p][/quote]That piece of road is actually part of Sway's 30mph village limit and there is no evidence at this stage that speed was involved. I do wish people would wait until the facts are known before making judgements about the cause and simply concentrate on passing on condolences to friends and family. Likewise, spare some thoughts for the driver who may be completely blameless.[/p][/quote]When is the appropriate time to question safety on the roads, if not when a young man has lost his life?[/p][/quote]Safety on our roads will always be an issue that will never go away simply because of the saturation level we have now met with users of all kinds. Even 20 years ago you could drive down one of the quiet lanes anywhere in the country and not see a soul. Nowadays nearly everyone has a reason to be on the highway for work or pleasure and despite all efforts of the educated I am sure sadness like this will unfortunately continue. Thoughts and best wishesnobbjockie

FNS-man wrote…

Teucer2000 wrote…

FNS-man wrote…

When you have cars going at 60 mph on the same roads as bikes, then people are going to get killed. This death is a tragedy, and things like it are going to keep on happening.

That piece of road is actually part of Sway's 30mph village limit and there is no evidence at this stage that speed was involved. I do wish people would wait until the facts are known before making judgements about the cause and simply concentrate on passing on condolences to friends and family. Likewise, spare some thoughts for the driver who may be completely blameless.

When is the appropriate time to question safety on the roads, if not when a young man has lost his life?

Safety on our roads will always be an issue that will never go away simply because of the saturation level we have now met with users of all kinds. Even 20 years ago you could drive down one of the quiet lanes anywhere in the country and not see a soul. Nowadays nearly everyone has a reason to be on the highway for work or pleasure and despite all efforts of the educated I am sure sadness like this will unfortunately continue. Thoughts and best wishes

Score: 0

[deleted]
8:00pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

I suggest the police moniter two specific roads next weekend where rhinefeild drive ends going towards brockenhurst Ive had several incidents of abuse by car drivers ...Also the road from burley to the A35 some nice speed traps !!sterpan3

I suggest the police moniter two specific roads next weekend where rhinefeild drive ends going towards brockenhurst Ive had several incidents of abuse by car drivers ...Also the road from burley to the A35 some nice speed traps !!

Score: 0

[deleted]
8:22pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]Teucer2000[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]FNS-man[/bold] wrote:
When you have cars going at 60 mph on the same roads as bikes, then people are going to get killed. This death is a tragedy, and things like it are going to keep on happening.[/p][/quote]That piece of road is actually part of Sway's 30mph village limit and there is no evidence at this stage that speed was involved. I do wish people would wait until the facts are known before making judgements about the cause and simply concentrate on passing on condolences to friends and family. Likewise, spare some thoughts for the driver who may be completely blameless.[/p][/quote]Well said.scrumpyjack

Teucer2000 wrote…

FNS-man wrote…

When you have cars going at 60 mph on the same roads as bikes, then people are going to get killed. This death is a tragedy, and things like it are going to keep on happening.

That piece of road is actually part of Sway's 30mph village limit and there is no evidence at this stage that speed was involved. I do wish people would wait until the facts are known before making judgements about the cause and simply concentrate on passing on condolences to friends and family. Likewise, spare some thoughts for the driver who may be completely blameless.

Well said.

Score: 0

[deleted]
8:26pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]sterpan3[/bold] wrote:
I suggest the police moniter two specific roads next weekend where rhinefeild drive ends going towards brockenhurst Ive had several incidents of abuse by car drivers ...Also the road from burley to the A35 some nice speed traps !![/p][/quote]Take the hint and be quiet about YOU.
No one is interested and you are being incredibly insensitive.scrumpyjack

sterpan3 wrote…

I suggest the police moniter two specific roads next weekend where rhinefeild drive ends going towards brockenhurst Ive had several incidents of abuse by car drivers ...Also the road from burley to the A35 some nice speed traps !!

Take the hint and be quiet about YOU.

No one is interested and you are being incredibly insensitive.

Score: 0

[deleted]
9:00pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

Sounds like your worried about being monitored is it YOU!!sterpan3

Sounds like your worried about being monitored is it YOU!!

Score: 0

[deleted]
9:11pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]sterpan3[/bold] wrote:
Sounds like your worried about being monitored is it YOU!![/p][/quote].scrumpyjack

sterpan3 wrote…

Sounds like your worried about being monitored is it YOU!!

.

Score: 0

[deleted]
10:15pm Tue 15 Jan 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]sterpan3[/bold] wrote:
I suggest the police moniter two specific roads next weekend where rhinefeild drive ends going towards brockenhurst Ive had several incidents of abuse by car drivers ...Also the road from burley to the A35 some nice speed traps !![/p][/quote]Firstly I think your comments are unnecessary and insensitive to the accident and upsetting for the family to read as you seem to be apportioning blame before you know the facts.
Secondly I believe it's about time the Echo take away the right to comment on stories like this as there is always at least one who likes to play Sherlock Homes and be judgmental as to the cause of the accident.
Far from leaving messages of condolence for the family to read the comments turn into a war between drivers and cyclists which shows a lack of respect.
My condolences go to the family of James Atherton, R.I.P.Hessenford

sterpan3 wrote…

I suggest the police moniter two specific roads next weekend where rhinefeild drive ends going towards brockenhurst Ive had several incidents of abuse by car drivers ...Also the road from burley to the A35 some nice speed traps !!

Firstly I think your comments are unnecessary and insensitive to the accident and upsetting for the family to read as you seem to be apportioning blame before you know the facts.
Secondly I believe it's about time the Echo take away the right to comment on stories like this as there is always at least one who likes to play Sherlock Homes and be judgmental as to the cause of the accident.
Far from leaving messages of condolence for the family to read the comments turn into a war between drivers and cyclists which shows a lack of respect.
My condolences go to the family of James Atherton, R.I.P.

Score: 0

[deleted]
8:50am Wed 16 Jan 13

[deleted]

[quote][p][bold]sterpan3[/bold] wrote:
Very sad News I didn't want to hear this .Somethings got to be done ..I suggest the police go undercover as cyclists and see the abuse dished out by car drivers ...I havnt seen one speed trap in the forest for over ten years ? Ive been buzzed from behind by cars driving past within inchs..Very scary[/p][/quote]and cyclists are squeaky clean then! I don't think so! I was walking to work yesterday morning and saw a cyclist going through a red traffic light. I said to her "red traffic light" she then said she had trouble with her brakes and then proceeded to say that I should not have said anything to her as it was dangerous for cyclists! - she was breaking the law - simple as and if her brakes are faulty she should not be cycling!suzigirl

sterpan3 wrote…

Very sad News I didn't want to hear this .Somethings got to be done ..I suggest the police go undercover as cyclists and see the abuse dished out by car drivers ...I havnt seen one speed trap in the forest for over ten years ? Ive been buzzed from behind by cars driving past within inchs..Very scary

and cyclists are squeaky clean then! I don't think so! I was walking to work yesterday morning and saw a cyclist going through a red traffic light. I said to her "red traffic light" she then said she had trouble with her brakes and then proceeded to say that I should not have said anything to her as it was dangerous for cyclists! - she was breaking the law - simple as and if her brakes are faulty she should not be cycling!

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